BLACKBALL NOTES

Grey River Argus, 21 April 1928, Page 2

BLACKBALL NOTES

(From Our Own Correspondent.) BLACKBALL, April 20. The Blackball mine only worked three days for the past fortnight — just sufficient to keep the workers here clear of the Vagrancy Act. It is reported prospects for “L” railway waggons are now slightly better. The farmers, who have had first call, have by this time got rid of most of their grain. One notices by the press that position on the Grey bar has im-i proved somewhat. If the inhabitants of the district are wide awake, however, they will not rest until some permanent improvement is made. The new bus service from Blackball to Greymouth and vice-versa has not so far received very good patronage, but providing work at the mine improves to any extent, sufficient patronage should be offering to make it a paying proposition. It is reported that Constable Honey, of Blackball, is under orders to transfer to Ahaura. The Roa Miners’ Union are to hold their usual May Day smoke concert, and a strong committee has been set up to take charge, so success seems assured. Extensive repairs are being made to one of the Coal Company boilers. The Dispatch Foundry has the work in hand. Mr A. Riddiford, of Blackball, is at present holidaying at Ilikurangi. The usual quarterly cavil took place this week, sixty-eight pairs of miners going into the barrel, for a reduction of four pairs. If present conditions continue, about 30 pairs would produce all the coal required. It is reported that the Blackball Pipe Band have sent the order away for their regalia.

With the approach of winter, euchre tournaments have recommenced, and are being well patronised. The pumping out of No. 2 di]) at the Blackball mine seems .to be a fairly large contract. It is reported that another pump is to be installed. In regard to the forthcoming wages conference between the West Coast miners and the coal own. rs, one thing seems certain, and .that is that the Grey district mine managers will not be able to produce any flash weekly The Roa mine had a few idle days last week owing to industrial trouble. This week, however, full time has been worked at that mine. Pedestrians and motorists of Roa state that .the road between Blackball and Roa is not so smooth as it should be. Two or thirn Blackball inhabitants have left for the Ten hlilc, having invested some capital in one of the cooperative propositions there. Messrs Eiiglesham awl Murphy took advantage of .the slack time to pay a visit to the Millerton district. Air P. Johnson., of Blackball, has left for Christchurch. Mr anil Mrs 11. Chi'ton, of Blackball. and Mr and Mrs Hahn, of Ahaura, spent the Easter holidays at Nelson. The Blackball Soccer Club are fielding a pretty good team this week end against Dobson, and the indications are that they will gather in the points. Yet several" of hist season's Blackball players seem to have dropped out. their places being taken by juniors. The newly formed boys’ soccer team are just itching for a game, and are prepared to met any team in .the district 10 years to 13 years. The Centre have been trving to get a boys’ eleven at Blackball for years, but if they don't get busy and find some opponents, the efforts of the local soccer supporters will go for nothing. An attempt is also being made to resurrect the ladies’ hockey team. Whether this move will be successful or not is not yet appar, ent. . , . Blackball’s Rugby League tans had a good afternoon’s entertainment on Sunday last, when both the junior and senior combinations wye playing a- r home. The juniors were responsible for an easy win, but the seniors had a little luck on their side in beating Nelson Creek by one point, Mi-Donald’s pace being the deciding factor.